The Italian Embassy in Oman celebrated the third edition of the Italian Sport Day Around the World at the Spike Volleyball Club in Muscat, in the presence of representatives of the Italian community, a wide Omani public and sports enthusiasts from different countries and cultural contexts.
The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm of the local public for Italian sport and the strengthening of sporting partnerships between the two countries. Italian football enjoys great popularity in the Sultanate, where there are an increasing number of academies linked to Italian clubs. The collaboration also covers other disciplines, such as sailing or shooting, with an active partnership between the Italian Target Shooting Federation (FITAV) and the Oman Shooting Association, including through the annual Friendship Competition in Muscat.
In his introductory speech, the Italian Ambassador to Oman, Pierluigi D’Elia, recalled that sport represents not only an important component of Italian culture but also a significant economic asset. Italy’s sports sector generates about EUR 32 billion, that is 1.5% of national GDP, and involves about 420,000 people, taking into account direct employees and related industries. Important Italian brands are present in the main sports centres of the city of Muscat.
The celebration at the Spike Volleyball Club provided an opportunity for the Italian and Omani communities to come together, confirming the role of sports diplomacy in strengthening relations between Italy and Oman and in developing new opportunities for collaboration.
